SourcingOct 24, 2022
This Jewelry Auction Is Raising Money for BIPOC Makers Events & AwardsDec 14, 2022
MJSA Announces Responsibly Sourced Design Challenge Winner
Finalist designs featured gemstones from Columbia Gem House and were auctioned off for charity.
Cady Carlson Dill of Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Cady Carlson Designs had the winning design in this year’s MJSA Challenge, a competition produced in conjunction with Columbia Gem House and benefitting nonprofit organization Nest.
New York—Cady Carlson Dill of Cady Carlson Designs is the winner of the 2022 MJSA Challenge: Responsibly Sourced Design.
The competition doubles as a fundraiser, with finished jewelry entries auctioned off to benefit a charitable organization.
MJSA partnered with Columbia Gem House—a U.S.-based responsibly sourced colored gemstone supplier—on the competition and auction.
Every year, the challenge invites designers to create a jewel based on a fictional scenario.
This year, jewelry makers were asked to develop a design for a woman who was given up for adoption as a baby and reunites with her biological sister in adulthood.
Columbia Gem House donated metal and Oregon sunstone, Montana sapphire, Australian sapphire, and Brazilian citrine for designers to use in their final pieces.
Dill’s entry was a bolo-style necklace with an 8 mm Oregon sunstone at its center, surrounded by sapphires.
“I wanted to express their shared family history with the stones,” Dill said of her fictional sister clients. “The idea of family connections made me think of the double helix shape of DNA—I didn’t want to literally create that shape, but instead create something inspired by it.”
The bolo necklace represents two individuals coming together, the gemstones representing their unification.
Dill is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she designs with ethically sourced materials. Dill emphasizes recycling, often by reworking family heirlooms for her clients.
Dill’s piece, along with the other seven entries, were auctioned off to benefit nonprofit organization Nest. In all, they raised $7,000.
Nest aims to create a more inclusive and equitable world for artists, makers, and creatives.
The auction proceeds will specifically benefit Nest’s Makers United program, which will help one BIPOC jeweler scale their business.
“We wanted to select an organization that shared the beliefs of ethics and fairness, as well as [to] support those coming into the industry—particularly those who have traditionally had barriers to access,” says Natasha Braunwart, brand and corporate social responsibility manager of Columbia Gem House.
“The maker community is the lifeblood of this industry, and we wanted to find a way to collectively support equality in the future of the space. The synergy we found with the Nest team really made them the perfect fit to be the recipient of this year’s fundraiser.”
Columbia Gem House Founder and President Eric Braunwart added, “Participating in this project, whether it be designing, voting, or bidding, supports the well-being of the greater community within the gem and jewelry industry.
“It’s a reminder that the work you do can celebrate those around you and still make a positive impact.”
Related stories will be right here …
The competition doubles as a fundraiser, with finished jewelry entries auctioned off to benefit a charitable organization.
MJSA partnered with Columbia Gem House—a U.S.-based responsibly sourced colored gemstone supplier—on the competition and auction.
Every year, the challenge invites designers to create a jewel based on a fictional scenario.
This year, jewelry makers were asked to develop a design for a woman who was given up for adoption as a baby and reunites with her biological sister in adulthood.
Columbia Gem House donated metal and Oregon sunstone, Montana sapphire, Australian sapphire, and Brazilian citrine for designers to use in their final pieces.
Dill’s entry was a bolo-style necklace with an 8 mm Oregon sunstone at its center, surrounded by sapphires.
“I wanted to express their shared family history with the stones,” Dill said of her fictional sister clients. “The idea of family connections made me think of the double helix shape of DNA—I didn’t want to literally create that shape, but instead create something inspired by it.”
The bolo necklace represents two individuals coming together, the gemstones representing their unification.
Dill is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she designs with ethically sourced materials. Dill emphasizes recycling, often by reworking family heirlooms for her clients.
Dill’s piece, along with the other seven entries, were auctioned off to benefit nonprofit organization Nest. In all, they raised $7,000.
Nest aims to create a more inclusive and equitable world for artists, makers, and creatives.
The auction proceeds will specifically benefit Nest’s Makers United program, which will help one BIPOC jeweler scale their business.
“We wanted to select an organization that shared the beliefs of ethics and fairness, as well as [to] support those coming into the industry—particularly those who have traditionally had barriers to access,” says Natasha Braunwart, brand and corporate social responsibility manager of Columbia Gem House.
“The maker community is the lifeblood of this industry, and we wanted to find a way to collectively support equality in the future of the space. The synergy we found with the Nest team really made them the perfect fit to be the recipient of this year’s fundraiser.”
Columbia Gem House Founder and President Eric Braunwart added, “Participating in this project, whether it be designing, voting, or bidding, supports the well-being of the greater community within the gem and jewelry industry.
“It’s a reminder that the work you do can celebrate those around you and still make a positive impact.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
Supplier BulletinAug 06, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
